Were any gifts left under the Christmas tree this year for our community? We all realize this past election was not the most promising for progressive-minded residents of this country. The religious right and ultra-conservative, anti-gay activists seem to have gained ground across America. According to the Human Rights Campaign, 13 states passed constitutional amendments this year that ban same-sex marriage and, in many cases, civil unions, domestic partnership laws and other legal arrangements between same-sex couples. Despite these setbacks, however, we have a lot to celebrate – 2004 marked many victories for GLBT citizens and politicians not only in the U.S., but in Canada as well.

In 15 states, attempts to add discrimination to the state constitutions died or failed in the legislature in 2004 including measures in the traditionally conservative states of North Carolina and Alabama, according to the HRC. Given the dissent for same-sex marriage on a national level, the HRC cited some interesting voter exit poll data taken on Election Day this year: Of those polled, 60 percent said they support some legal recognition for same-sex couples – 25 percent supporting marriage equality and 35 percent supporting civil unions.

The more legal cases that build challenging state laws banning same-sex marriage, the more ammunition we have to ensure our equality. As a minority group, we have strength in numbers.

One state’s victory gave us hope that the battle for marriage quality can be won. Who can forget when city and town clerks in Massachusetts began to issue marriage licenses on May 17? It was a landmark day for our community, and opened up a new chapter in GLBT politics.

Here in California, the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act (AB 19) also gives us hope in the battle for same-sex marriage. Introduced by Assemblymember Mark Leno, the bill would amend the state’s definition of marriage to be between “two persons.” If passed by the Legislature, the measure then goes to the desk of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the fact that he has passed every piece of GLBT-friendly legislation to cross his desk so far is certainly a good sign.

On Dec. 21, a California appeals court denied a request by anti-gay activists to prevent AB 205 from becoming law. Though a great step forward, there are still limitations to the law – AB 205 does not provide access to over 1,000 rights and benefits married heterosexual couples receive and enjoy on a federal level.

It seems that same-sex marriage in Canada isn’t as much of an issue as it is here in the U.S. Just this past Tuesday, Newfoundland became Canada’s seventh province to allow same-sex marriage after a court ruling. Same-sex couples can also legally marry in British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Yukon Territory.

A few weeks ago, the Canadian Supreme Court decided the Canadian Parliament has the right to redefine marriage for the entire country, and that it is completely constitutional to define marriage as the union of two people. Parliament is expected to approve a bill next year legalizing same-sex marriage across Canada.

Thanks goes out to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund for the record 65 GLBT candidates they endorsed in 27 states and the District of Columbia this election season, of which 41 were successful. Idaho elected their first openly gay legislator, Nicole LeFavour, and Julia Boseman was elected in North Carolina. Missouri elected Jeanette Mott Oxford, its first openly lesbian legislator. In Dallas County, Texas, Lupe Valdez won a shocking victory for sheriff. In addition, all of the openly gay and lesbian incumbent state legislators the Victory Fund supported were re-elected.

Here in San Diego, the Victory Fund supported Christine Kehoe as she was elected to the 39th State Senate District. Kehoe captured 60 percent of the vote, defeating Republican challenger Larry Stirling convincingly. And we can’t forget that to mention that Toni Atkins won the March primary outright, and spent the year as San Diego’s deputy mayor.

We will continue to fight, remain visible, proud and outspoken on a local, state and national level for all oppressed groups. Without these fair-minded leaders in elected offices, we wouldn’t have a voice strong enough to argue against and fight discriminatory measures and other anti-gay movements. Their actions and decisions will help represent us and protect us. We must stand by these candidates as they pave the way for our progress.